Krösche rues "not good enough" Eintracht display after Atalanta collapse | OneFootball

Frankfurt had competed well for large stretches of the evening but completely lost control after the break, conceding three goals in the space of four chaotic minutes as Atalanta seized command at Deutsche Bank Park. 

The collapse came shortly after Jonathan Burkardt - Eintracht’s most reliable attacking outlet - was forced off injured, adding to the sense of deflation inside the stadium.

In the mixed zone after the match, Krösche made no attempt to soften his verdict.

“When you concede three goals in such a short space of time and make mistakes like we did, you’re going to be punished severely at this level,” he said, as reported by Kicker. “We just weren’t good enough to beat Atalanta today.”

Krösche also expressed particular frustration that the defeat came in a fixture marking one of Eintracht’s best chances to strengthen their Champions League position.

“I’m disappointed because we had high hopes,” he admitted. “We wanted to get a home win to put us in a good place for the next games. That’s why I’m so disappointed with our mistakes today.”

Krösche criticised the lack of composure and conviction during a hesitant first half, insisting his side never played with the assertiveness required in Europe.

“In the first half, we simply didn’t have the courage, to be honest,” he said. “And when you concede three goals in the second half, the game is obviously over.”

He also credited Atalanta’s quality and experience while lamenting Frankfurt’s inability to handle the pressure of the moment.

“Atalanta is a really good team with a lot of international experience,” he said. “I think we were almost scared to back ourselves today. We were cautious, not determined enough, which is annoying.”

With Eintracht now winless since Matchday 1 and facing a tight fight for a play-off spot, Krösche stressed that improvement is essential.

“We are disappointed and cannot be satisfied with our performance. We just weren’t good enough today,” he concluded. “We still have a few games ahead of us and now have to make sure we get six points somewhere.”

Die Adler now turn their attention to Bundesliga matches against Wolfsburg and RB Leipzig, before they travel to Barcelona in the Champions League - a match that could well seal their exit from the competition.